Zimbabwean MMA Fighter Themba Gorimbo Rejects Wicknell Chivayo’s Gift
Outspoken Zimbabwean mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Themba Gorimbo has publicly turned down what appeared to be a prospective gift from controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, accusing the self-styled tenderpreneur of being a thief.
Chivayo, known for his lavish spending spree in recent years, had taken to social media expressing admiration for MMA and promising to give Gorimbo a gift soon. The businessman has gained notoriety in Zimbabwe for handing out cars and other expensive gifts to various individuals across different sectors.
“I love Boxing and MMA. The young man Themba Gorimbo is doing well and representing our great. Pane zvidiki zvandichamuitira,” Chivayo wrote on social media, hinting at his intention to support the fighter.
However, Gorimbo did not welcome the gesture. In a firm response, the MMA star expressed deep reservations about accepting any gifts from Chivayo, whom he labeled a thief. Gorimbo emphasized that accepting such “dirty money” would taint his reputation and energy.
“Ini handitengeke futi. Mutambi wandinoita unoda good energy. Ukadziya moto wembavha watova mbavha too. I refused this so-called gesture in December. Ndisiye. Saw him on the airport and ignored him futi,” Gorimbo posted, revealing that this was not the first time Chivayo had attempted to “buy” him.
Gorimbo’s stance has sparked intense debate across social media platforms. Critics like Kudzai Mutisi, a known Zanu-PF supporter, called Gorimbo’s refusal hypocritical, pointing out that the fighter had previously accepted charity from Hollywood superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, which helped him establish his career in the United States.
“That’s just hypocrisy from Gorimbo… He got help from The Rock, something that helped him establish himself in the US. He NEARLY DIED during a fight recently without receiving that ‘dirty money’…
“He is just looking for sources of sympathy in case he gets clobbered again. No one should feel bad for receiving help, more so from a fellow Zimbabwean.
“Gorimbo thinks he is better because he was a charity case to Americans??? That’s silly honestly. @wicknellchivayo has the right to gift Zimbabweans the same way The Rock gifted Gorimbo himself.
“Of course he is now fine but at one moment he needed someone to help him and The Rock did,” Mutisi wrote.
Despite such criticisms, the majority of Zimbabweans praised Gorimbo for his courageous stand, especially considering the murky origins of Chivayo’s wealth. The businessman is widely accused of corrupt dealings involving inflated contracts and state entity looting.
Chivayo’s companies have been linked to dubious contracts awarded without public tenders by government institutions such as the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). These contracts are worth millions and have fueled public outrage over corruption.
In a climate where accountability remains elusive, Gorimbo’s refusal to associate with a figure mired in scandal has resonated strongly with many Zimbabweans, who view it as a bold statement on integrity and personal values.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the MMA fighter remains steadfast in his principles, emphasizing that his journey is fueled by “good energy” and not tainted money.
